Software modeling framework

ABSTRACT

A system and method for providing a software modeling framework which supports different types of dependency injection and other software modeling or software development frameworks, and which allows software developers to develop models that strategically layer different components for different implementations. A service provider interface (SPI) enables different DI frameworks to be incorporated into the system; while an application provider interface (API) enable machines or implementations to be constructed. Extenders can be modeled so that, for example a particular bundle requires a handler for a particular configuration manifest entry; while a particular module provides handling of that manifest entry.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention is generally related to software modeling and development, and is particularly related to a system and method for providing a generalized software modeling framework which in turn can be extended to support different types of dependency injection and other software modeling or software development frameworks.

BACKGROUND

In software development, dependency injection (DI) generally refers to the process of supplying an external dependency to a software component, such as a software object, using a form of inverse control. Traditionally, if an object needs a particular service, then that object is also responsible for instantiating and ultimately disposing of the service. This tends to increase the object's overall complexity. A DI framework eliminates the need for each object to manage the lifecycle of the services it invokes, and instead allows the object to maintain a reference to an implementation of the service, and then use that implementation to invoke the service's behaviors.

An example of a DI framework that enables dependencies is the OSGi (Open Services Gateway initiative) framework. OSGi defines a module system for the Java software language, and implements a dynamic component model in which applications are modularized into components or bundles. Each bundle is a tightly-coupled, dynamically loadable collection of classes, jars, and configuration files that explicitly declare their external dependencies. A services layer is used to connect bundles in a dynamic manner, by offering a publish-find-bind model for plain old Java objects (Pojo). A services registry API allows for management services, and a lifecycle API allows for lifecycle management of bundles. Applications or components provided as bundles can be remotely installed, started, stopped, updated and uninstalled, without requiring a system reboot.

Other systems provide similar functionality: for example, the OSGi Blueprint Container specification defines a service which uses XML definitions within a bundle to create and wire application objects, and also defines a dependency injection framework for bundles that accounts for the dynamic nature of services. SpringSource similarly defines a DI-like Spring Dynamic Modules (SDM) framework, which enables the use of Spring to configure both the internals of a bundle, and the references between bundles. Additional technologies that make use of, or that are related to DI include the Blueprint Services Specification as described in Request for Comments (RFC) 124, and the OSGi Bundle Repository Specification as described in RFC-112, each of which are herein incorporated by reference.

However, to date, little has been provided in the way of accommodating the variety of different DI and other frameworks in a unified manner that allows for usage and further extension of these frameworks in building new machines and new software applications. This is the general area that embodiments of the invention are intended to address.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a system and method for providing a software modeling framework (generally referred to as the “Links framework”, or “Links), which supports different types of dependency injection and other software modeling or software development frameworks, and which allows software developers to develop models that strategically layer different components for different implementations. In accordance with an embodiment, a service provider interface (SPI) enables different DI frameworks to be incorporated into the system; while an application provider interface (API) enable machines or implementations to be constructed. For example, a developer can use the OSGi Blueprint syntax, and harvest Spring Dynamic Modules and/or other open source code, as provided by the SPI; and can use the functions provided by the API to support development of an application server machine, such as a WebLogic Server or other application server implementation. The system also enables support for proprietary features, such as non-OSGi based platforms. Extenders can be modeled so that, for example a particular bundle requires a handler for a particular configuration manifest entry; while a particular module provides handling of that manifest entry. These and other advantages will be evident from the description provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an illustration of a software modeling system or framework in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows an illustration of how the SPI of the software modeling framework allows for plugin and use of multiple DI frameworks and other models, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of how a relationship between DI or other framework constructs is defined, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows an illustration of how the API of the software modeling framework allows for the creation of machines or implementations, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows an illustration of how a software modeling framework can be used in an active mode to construct a machine, in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for creating and using a software modeling framework, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a software modeling framework which supports different types of dependency injection and other software modeling or software development frameworks, and allows for modeling the pertinent relationships found in a software system.

In accordance with an embodiment, systems and methods that implement the framework are generally referred to as the “Links framework”, or “Links”. The system and/or framework provides features such as:

-   -   The software model need not be directly aware of specific         constructs (e.g., JMX), but is instead based on knowledge of         logical types of construct (e.g., Configuration).     -   Constructs are declarative, and can be added using a service         provider interface (SPI).     -   Relationships between constructs are dynamic, and are also         introduced by the SPI.     -   The model supports both “passive” and “active” usages, wherein         passive usage allows relationships to be modeled and recorded;         and wherein active usage associates actions with the         relationships.     -   Containment is provided via “requires” parameters, which allows         the model to be used to describe a third party component in         terms of what a particular component “requires” and/or         “produces”.     -   Constructs can optionally support version identifiers.

FIG. 1 shows an illustration of a software modeling system or framework in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system comprises a service provider interface (SPI) 102, and an application program interface (API) 104. The system further includes a software model 106 which is defined by frameworks, i.e. dependency injection and other software modeling or software development frameworks, which are plugged into the SPI. Generally, the model is generated dynamically at runtime within the memory of the system, and is not stored persistently, although aspects of the model can be recorded or stored for subsequent use.

In accordance with an embodiment, the SPI allows for plugin of one or a plurality of framework model plugins 108, 110, 112. Each plugin contributes to the overall model by introducing constructs 120, 122, 124, and relationships 132, 134 between those constructs, as defined by that particular plugin's corresponding modeling or development framework. For example, an OSGi model plugin can introduce OSGi constructs; while a JMX model plugin can introduce JMX constructs. It will be evident that the preceding examples are provided for purposes of illustration, and that other plugins can be provided corresponding to other modeling or development frameworks.

In accordance with an embodiment, the constructs are declarative, and the relationships between the constructs are dynamic. Each plugin defines the legitimate forms of relationships that are permitted, with respect to the constructs that are being introduced into the system by that particular plugin. The model exposes the constructs as different types or categories of components 138, such as configuration object components. The system then allows the software developer to create machines or implementations by linking objects to those categories.

In accordance with an embodiment, the API provides a plurality of functions 140, 142, 144, which allow for machines or implementations to be specified, generally by the software developer. For example, the API can include functions that allow the software developer to specify configuration elements 152, as provided by configuration providers 153, including that objects be linked to certain categories of component, such as configuration object components, wherein those components have been introduced into the system according to the framework models, constructs and relationships as described above. The API can also be used to instruct the system to output, publish, or otherwise use configured objects 154, which have been generated according to the model.

The Example API Interface section provided below illustrates the types of interfaces, functions, and objects that can be exposed by the API in accordance with a particular non-limiting embodiment. An example is also provided below that illustrates how an embodiment of the API can typically be used to generate a machine. It will be evident that the example interfaces and use cases provided below are provided for purposes of illustration, and that other API interfaces and functions can be included to suit needs of any particular implementation.

FIG. 2 shows an illustration of how the SPI of the software modeling framework allows for plugin and use of multiple DI frameworks and other models, in accordance with an embodiment. As described above, constructs and relationships for each supported modeling or development framework are dynamically introduced into the model and the system via the SPI. For example, this can allow an “OSGi-basic” model plugin 162 to introduce basic OSGi constructs, corresponding to a basic OSGi framework 163, such as Bundle, Package, PojoComponent and Service, and the relationships between those constructs 172. Similarly, an “OSGi-cas” model plugin 164 can introduce compendium constructs, corresponding to a compendium OSGi framework 165, such as CasConfiguration and ManagedService, and the relationships between those constructs 174. Similarly, a JMX model plugin 166 can introduce JMX constructs and relationships 176, corresponding to a JMX framework 167. In accordance with other embodiments other types of software modeling or software development frameworks, corresponding to other frameworks, can be introduced using an appropriate plugin.

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of how, for a particular software modeling or software development framework being introduced via the SPI, the constructs and relationships are defined, in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the general form of a relationship 180 can have the form:

[lhs-qualifier] LHS [requires|produces] [rhs-qualifier] RHS [actions]

It will be evident that alternate forms of expressing relationships can be used, in addition to that illustrated above. In the example above, the LHS parameter 182 and RHS parameter 185 identify those constructs which are being introduced into the framework via their respective SPI plugin. For example, in accordance with an embodiment, a construct can be a package, bundle, service, PojoComponent, or another software component.

In accordance with an embodiment, the RHS parameter can also represent a logical aggregate function, namely the OR aggregate function; while an AND function can be represented by providing an additional relationship fact in the system, and duplicating the LHS with a different RHS. The Requires|Produces parameter 183 identifies verbs which are understood by the framework, for example whether a component “requires”, or inversely “produces”, another component.

The lhs-qualifier parameter 181 and the rhs-qualifier parameter 184 are optional, and are used to constrain the scope of the LHS and RHS constructs respectively. For example, an “active” qualifier can indicate an active component, such as an active bundle. The action parameter is also optional, and represents rules or callbacks that may optionally be fired with the context of the RHS whenever the qualified LHS becomes satisfied and the entire model is collectively defined.

Accordingly, each allowable relationship introduced or governed by the SPI can be interpreted as forming a directed acyclic graph from both a “requires” and “produces” perspective. This generalization allows any type of software modeling or software development framework, or components therein, to be modeled as a plurality of construct and relationships. For example, relationships can even be defined that model the core of the OSGi framework, such as modeling OSGi bundles with respect to imported and exported packages, e.g.

LHS:{Bundle Foo} requires RHS:{Package X}; LHS:{Bundle Foo} produces RHS:{Package Y}).

FIG. 4 shows an illustration of how the API of the software modeling framework allows for the creation of machines or implementations, in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, in accordance with an embodiment the API includes a plurality of functions 220, such as, e.g. a meta function 202, config function 204, registry function 206, create object function 208, and publish object function 210, which collectively allow for the specification and creation of machines, including respectively creating a framework object 222, specifying configuration information 224, specifying a registry 226, creating an implementation object 228, and publishing the object 230. In accordance with other embodiments other types of functions can be provided.

In accordance with an embodiment, the API can be used to find configuration information, as introduced via the SPI according to certain categories of configuration object components. The act of finding configuration information is “producing” an object; while the act of finding service information is “producing” an object; and the act of creating an object produces an object. Thus, the “object creation” operation “consumes” the objects produced by the parts of the system that lookup configuration information and service information. In this manner the system operates by connecting operations together, and the code performing a service lookup does not care from where the lookup key came, but only what it is.

The example provided below illustrates the use of the API in accordance with an embodiment to generate a machine or implementation. In this example, an HTTP server named HOPI has been created, wherein HOPI has a DI file in the DI system PDI; and the PDI file written for HOPI specifies that:

-   -   The implementation class for HOPI is com.hopi.Server.     -   Server has a constructor which takes a single string argument         (the “server name”) found in the configuration data.     -   Server has a setter method by the name of setPort( ) which takes         a single argument whose value also comes from the configuration         data.     -   Server has a setter method by the name of setThreadingService( )         which takes a single argument, and whose value is provided by         looking up a service in the OSGi service registry whose class is         com.threadsRUs.Thread and with a second key field named “name”         which also comes from configuration data.     -   The configuration data is provided by looking in JMX, using         object names which look like “HOPI:type=server,name=name” (i.e.         the object name has a domain of HOPI, a key named “type” with a         value of “server” and also has a key named “name”).     -   The JMX MBean has a “name” attribute which is to be used in the         constructor above.     -   The JMX MBean has a “port” attribute which is to be used in the         setter above.     -   The JMX MBean has a “thread-group” attribute which is to be used         as the parameter to the service lookup above.

After reading the PDI file, the system instructs the software modeling framework (“Links”) to build a machine which satisfies the above criteria. The first step is to get a framework object or links object for creating the machine:

Links links=LinksFactory.createMeta( );

Then, the configuration information is specified, including in this instance specifying a JMX plugin for configuration lookup and the key. The setOneToMany call instructs the software modeling framework that one lookup operation is being set up which will produce many objects, i.e. one for each MBean that meets the lookup criteria:

MetaConfig cfg = links.createMetaConfig(“JMX”); cfg.setKey(“HOPI:type=server”); cfg.setOneToMany( );

The software modeling framework is instructed as to what should be obtained in the registry; in this example an OSGi registry. A pair of keys including an objectClass and name, are also specified. It will be noted that the name comes from information produced by the configuration lookup above. For each MBean found above, the software modeling framework creates a registry tracker which will look for a corresponding service in the OSGi service registry:

MetaRegistryTracker tracker = links.createMetaRegistryTracker(“OSGi”); tracker.addCriterion(“objectClass”, “com.threadsRUs.Thread”); tracker.addCriterion(“name”, cfg.createAttributeProducer(“thread-group”));

The software modeling framework is then instructed how to create, in this example a plain old Java object (Pojo). Some DI systems create proxies when they create Pojos, but for illustrative purposes it is assumed that in this instance PDI does not. However, PDI must instruct the software modeling framework what class the Pojo uses; the constructor; and then the setters. Since the configuration producers are each coming from a “one-to-many” link, one instance of the Pojo is created for each configured server:

MetaPojo pojo = links.createMetaPojo(“Proxyless”); pojo.setClassName(“com.hopi.Server”); MetaPojoConstructor constructor = pojo.createConstructor( ); constructor.addArgument(cfg.createAttributeProducer(“name”)); MetaPojoSetter setter = pojo.createSetter( ); setter.setMethodName(“setTTL”); setter.addArgument(cfg.createAttributeProducer(“ttl”)); MetaPojoSetter setter2 = pojo.createSetter( ); setter2.addArgument(tracker.createProducer( )); setter2.setMethodName(“setThreadingService( )”);

Finally, the software modeling framework is instructed to publish the Pojo in the service registry. In this example, the object is published to an OSGi service registry, using the OSGi publisher plugin. Since the configuration producers are each coming from a “one-to-many” link, and since the Pojo is also producing many instances, the Pojo will be published for each configured server:

MetaRegistryPublisher publisher =   links.createMetaRegistryPublisher(“OSGi”); publisher.addCriterion(“objectClass”, “com.hopi.Server”); publisher.addCriterion(“name”, cfg.createAttributeProducer(“name”)); publisher.setObject(pojo.createProducer( ));

It will be evident that the above illustration described just one example of how the software modeling framework can be instructed to create a machine or implementation with particular parameters. In accordance with other embodiments other types of configurations can be provided.

FIG. 5 shows an illustration of how a software modeling framework can be used in an active mode to construct a machine, in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment, existing system models 240 can be used as described above, to introduce a plurality of constructs and relationships via the SPI plugins, which are then governed by the SPI. Machines or implementations can also be specified 242 by the software developer using the functions of the API, such as by providing an input file with specified configuration elements 244. In accordance with the active mode, a determination is made 246 as to whether a qualified relationship becomes satisfied and/or the entire model is collectively defined, at which point optional action parameters represent rules or callbacks that may be optionally fired 248. In accordance with an embodiment, these actions can include outputting configured objects, such as Pojos, which satisfy the developer-specified configuration elements, as determined by the model and constructs and relationships defined therein.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for creating and using a software modeling framework, in accordance with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, in step 260, the service provider interface (SPI) is populated with model plugins corresponding to one or more different modeling frameworks. In step 262, the system dynamically generates a model, together with the constructs and relationships introduced by the model plugins and categorized according to different components or configuration objects. In step 264, a definition of a machine or implementation is provided, generally by a software developer, using the application program interface (API) and indicating the required components or configuration objects. In the step 266, the system generates and/or validates the model to match the required components or configuration objects, including if in active mode the firing of actions to create new machines or implementations. In step 268, the model can be optionally augmented with additional plugins via the SPI, and/or with constructs and relationships from new machines or implementations, or additional modeling frameworks.

Example API Interface

The following section provides an overview of API functions, including interfaces and classes in accordance with one particular, non-limiting embodiment. It will be evident that the API interface and classes provided herein are provided for purposes of illustration, and that other interface and classes can be included to suit needs of any particular implementation. In particular, in accordance with other embodiments, the API may not be limited to providing the particular interfaces and classes described hereunder. Modifications and variations, including the providing of different APIs, with similar functionality but different interfaces and classes, will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art.

Interface ConcreteLink public interface ConcreteLink available void available(Object object) provisionallyAvailable void provisionallyAvailable(Object object)      throws ValueRejectedException  Throws:  ValueRejectedException noLongerAvailable void noLongerAvailable( ) provisionallyNoLongerAvailable void provisionallyNoLongerAvailable( )       throws ValueRejectedException  Throws:  ValueRejectedException changed void changed(Object object) provisionallyChanged void provisionallyChanged(Object object)      throws ValueRejectedException  Throws:  ValueRejectedException rollback void rollback( ) registerListener void registerListener(Listener listener) Interface ConcreteLinkListener public interface ConcreteLinkListener available void available(Object object) Interface Links public interface Links

In accordance with an embodiment, the Interface Links object is used for both the API and SPI sides of the software modeling framework. On the API side, operations are about creating things that need to be “linked”. For example, a Pojo may not be able to be created until configuration data is available. Further, it may also require fetching an object from the OSGi service registry. In this example, one creates a Meta configuration, a Meta “lookup”, a Meta “POJO” and link the third to the first two. The SPI side handles links's ability to plugin different types of each of these things. For example, there may be 10 different configuration systems supported; each is a plugin of type “configuration”.

createMetaConfig MetaConfig createMetaConfig(String configType)   Create a single configuration “meta-object” using the plugin of the named type. Information about the   nature of the configuration object (e.g. what is the key for looking it up) is supplied via operations on the   returned object.   Parameters:   configType - the type of configuration system   Returns:   a configuration meta-object createMetaPojo MetaPojo createMetaPojo(String pojoType)   Create a single pojo “meta-object” using the plugin of the named type. Information about the nature of the   pojo (e.g. what arguments to pass to the constructor) is supplied by operations on the returned meta-object.   Parameters:   pojoType - the type of pojo constructor   Returns:   a pojo meta-object createMetaRegistryPublisher MetaRegistryPublisher createMetaRegistryPublisher(String publishType)   Create a single publish “meta-object” using the plugin of the named type. Information about how to publish   the data (e.g. what is the key) is supplied by operations on the returned object.   Parameters:   publishType - the type of publisher (e.g. OSGi service registry)   Returns:   a meta-object for publish operations createMetaRegistryTracker MetaRegistryTracker createMetaRegistryTracker(String lookupType)   Create a single lookup “meta-object” using the plugin of the named type. Information about how to look up   the data (e.g. what is the key) is supplied by operations on the returned object.   Parameters:   lookupType - the type of system on which to perform the lookup (e.g. OSGi service registry)   Returns:   a meta-object for lookup operations registerProviderConfig void registerProviderConfig(String providerName,           ProviderConfig provider)   Register a configuration plugin - a plugin that knows how to find data in a configuration system   Parameters:   providerName - the configuration system being accessed   provider - the plugin registerProviderPojo void registerProviderPojo(String providerName,          ProviderPojo provider)   Register a POJO plugin - a plugin that knows how to construct java objects.   Parameters:   providerName - the name of an object construction system   provider - the plugin registerProviderRegistryTracker void registerProviderRegistryTracker(String providerName,              ProviderRegistryTracker provider)   Register a lookup plugin - a plugin that knows how to look up objects in a registry/database.   Parameters:   providerName - the registry/database being accessed   provider - the plugin registerProviderRegistryPublisher void registerProviderRegistryPublisher(String providerName,               ProviderRegistryPublisher provider)   Register a publish plugin - a plugin that knows how to put objects into a registry/database.   Parameters:   providerName - the registry/database being used   provider - the plugin setInProgress void setInProgress(boolean inProgress)   Before creating links machinery, set the system as in progress; when done, set it to false. Interface Listener public interface Listener available void available(Object object) provisionallyAvailable void provisionallyAvailable(Object object)           throws ValueRejectedException   Throws:   ValueRejectedException noLongerAvailable void noLongerAvailable( ) provisionallyNoLongerAvailable void provisionallyNoLongerAvailable( )              throws ValueRejectedException   Throws:   ValueRejectedException changed void changed(Object object) provisionallyChanged void provisionallyChanged(Object object)          throws ValueRejectedException   Throws:   ValueRejectedException rollback void rollback( ) Interface Meta public interface Meta makeConcrete com.oracle.lifecycle.links.internal.Concrete makeConcrete( ) makeConcrete com.oracle.lifecycle.links.internal.Concrete makeConcrete(Map<Meta,com.oracle.lifecycle.links.internal.Concrete> dictionary ) makeFanoutLink ConcreteLink makeFanoutLink(MetaProducer producer) findFanoutLink ConcreteLink findFanoutLink(MetaProducer producer) setClassLoader void setClassLoader(ClassLoader cl) getClassLoader ClassLoader getClassLoader( ) getAllOutboundProducers Collection<MetaProducer> getAllOutboundProducers( ) getSimpleOutboundProducers Collection<MetaProducer> getSimpleOutboundProducers( ) getAttributedOutboundProducers Collection<AttributeProducerPair> getAttributedOutboundProducers( ) getOptional Map<String,MetaProducer> getOptional( ) getNeeded Map<String,MetaProducer> getNeeded( ) setOneToMany void setOneToMany( ) setOneToOneInstanced void setOneToOneInstanced( ) isInstanced boolean isInstanced( ) isOneToMany boolean isOneToMany( ) isOneToOneInstanced boolean isOneToOneInstanced( ) isOneToOneSingleton boolean isOneToOneSingleton( ) Interface MetaCodeUnit public interface MetaCodeUnit extends Meta setListenAttribute void setListenAttribute(MetaProducer attribute) setListenAttribute void setListenAttribute(Object attribute) createClassLoaderProducer MetaProducer createClassLoaderProducer( ) getClassLoaderProducers Collection<MetaProducer> getClassLoaderProducers( ) createAttributeProducer MetaProducer createAttributeProducer(String type,               String attribute) getAttributeProducers Collection<AttributeProducerPair> getAttributeProducers( ) Interface MetaConfig public interface MetaConfig extends Meta

In accordance with an embodiment, the Interface MetaConfig object is provided as an “API side” interface for the software modeling framework. Using this interface, a higher-level module sets up links machinery to handle tracking configuration information. In order to “listen” to a configuration system, one must state the key to the configuration information. The format of the key is dependent on the type of configuration system (most take a String). One must also state how one wants the data: one can ask for the whole configuration object or just a particular attribute. One may create as many producers as one wants.

setKey void setKey(Object key)   Give the lookup key for configuration tracking.   Parameters:   object - the lookup key setKey void setKey(MetaProducer producer)   Give the lookup key for configuration tracking.   Parameters:   producer - produces a lookup key createWholeObjectProducer MetaProducer createWholeObjectProducer( )   Create a producer which gives the whole configuration object   found using key.   Returns:   a producer for the object createAttributeProducer MetaProducer createAttributeProducer(String attribute)   Create a producer which gives an object which represents the value of   a particular attribute of a found configuration object.   Parameters:   attribute - the name of the attribute (the format of this string   may depend on the type of configuration system)   Returns:   a producer for the attribute Interface MetaConfigSystem public interface MetaConfigSystem create MetaConfig create(String configType) Interface MetaPojo public interface MetaPojo extends Meta

In accordance with an embodiment, the Interface MetaPojo object is an “API side” interface for the software modeling framework. Using this interface, a higher-level module sets up links machinery to create a POJO. One must provide the name of the class to be created as well as defining constructors and setters.

The present invention may be conveniently implemented using one or more conventional general purpose or specialized digital computer, computing device, machine, or microprocessor, including one or more processors, memory and/or computer readable storage media programmed according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Appropriate software coding can readily be prepared by skilled programmers based on the teachings of the present disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the software art.

In some embodiments, the present invention includes a computer program product which is a storage medium or computer readable medium (media) having instructions stored thereon/in which can be used to program a computer to perform any of the processes of the present invention. The storage medium can include, but is not limited to, any type of disk including floppy disks, optical discs, DVD, CD-ROMs, microdrive, and magneto-optical disks, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, DRAMs, VRAMs, flash memory devices, magnetic or optical cards, nanosystems (including molecular memory ICs), or any type of media or device suitable for storing instructions and/or data.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art. In particular, although several of the embodiments described above illustrate the use of the software modeling framework within the context of the OSGi framework, it will be evident that other frameworks and DI frameworks can be used, in addition to or instead of OSGi. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalence. 

1. A system that supports the use of different types of dependency injection and other software modeling or software development frameworks, comprising: a computer, including a processor and memory; a service provider interface (SPI) which allows for plugin of one or a plurality of framework model plugins, wherein each plugin introduces constructs and relationships between those constructs, as defined by that particular plugin's corresponding modeling or development framework, and which can be exposed as categories of component; an application provider interface (API) which provides a plurality of functions that allow for machines or implementations to be specified, including specifying that objects be linked to categories of component defined by the SPI; and wherein the system dynamically creates a model based on the constructs and relationships introduced by the SPI plugins, which model can then be accessed via the API and used to link objects and model or develop software applications.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the machines or implementations are specified to use the categories of components, and wherein the system then links framework model objects matching the categories of components, as provided by the framework model plugins.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of frameworks each having different requirements and different model plugins are plugged in to the system via the SPI.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the frameworks includes at least one OSGi framework.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is used to generate plain old Java objects.
 6. A method for providing a software modeling framework, which supports different types of dependency injection and other software modeling or software development frameworks, comprising the steps of: providing a service provider interface (SPI) which allows for plugin of one or a plurality of framework model plugins, wherein each plugin introduces constructs and relationships between those constructs, as defined by that particular plugin's corresponding modeling or development framework, and which can be exposed as categories of component; providing an application provider interface (API) which provides a plurality of functions that allow for machines or implementations to be specified, including specifying that objects be linked to categories of component defined by the SPI; and dynamically creating a model based on the constructs and relationships introduced by the SPI plugins, which model can then be accessed via the API and used to link objects and model or develop software applications.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the machines or implementations are specified to use the categories of components, and wherein the system then links framework model objects matching the categories of components, as provided by the framework model plugins.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein a plurality of frameworks each having different requirements and different model plugins are plugged in to the system via the SPI.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the frameworks includes at least one OSGi framework.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the system is used to generate plain old Java objects.
 11. A computer readable medium, including instructions stored thereon which when read and executed by a computer cause the computer to perform the steps comprising: providing a service provider interface (SPI) which allows for plugin of one or a plurality of framework model plugins, wherein each plugin introduces constructs and relationships between those constructs, as defined by that particular plugin's corresponding modeling or development framework, and which can be exposed as categories of component; providing an application provider interface (API) which provides a plurality of functions that allow for machines or implementations to be specified, including specifying that objects be linked to categories of component defined by the SPI; and dynamically creating a model based on the constructs and relationships introduced by the SPI plugins, which model can then be accessed via the API and used to link objects and model or develop software applications.
 12. The computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the machines or implementations are specified to use the categories of components, and wherein the system then links framework model objects matching the categories of components, as provided by the framework model plugins.
 13. The computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein a plurality of frameworks each having different requirements and different model plugins are plugged in to the system via the SPI.
 14. The computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the frameworks includes at least one OSGi framework.
 15. The computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein the system is used to generate plain old Java objects. 